Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for the body and plays a role in energy production, metabolism of fats and drugs, and the normal function, growth, and development of cells. Riboflavin is found naturally in some food sources, is added to other foods, and is available as a dietary supplement. Riboflavin is also produced by bacteria present in the large intestine during normal digestion.1
Some studies have found that riboflavin supplementation can reduce migraine attacks, and certain people with migraine take riboflavin for migraine to help control their migraine symptoms.
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Sources of riboflavin
Foods that are rich in riboflavin include:
- Eggs
- Organ meats (liver and kidneys)
- Lean meat
- Milk
- Green vegetables1
Foods that are often fortified with riboflavin in the U.S. include grains, breads, and cereals. Riboflavin is also available as a supplement, and many multivitamins contain riboflavin.1
Riboflavin for migraine attacks
Riboflavin plays an important role in the functioning of the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of the cells. Because the dysfunction of mitochondria is believed to play a role in some migraine attacks, researchers have been studying the effect of riboflavin to treat or prevent migraine.1
In the 2018 Migraine In America survey, respondents were asked “What else, if anything, do you use on a regular basis to treat migraine and/or its symptoms?” Out of the 4,356 respondents, 8 out of 10 reported using alternative therapies, including taking vitamins and supplements such as riboflavin.
Studies on riboflavin for migraine
One 1998 study of 55 patients who suffer from migraine found that 400 mg of riboflavin taken daily worked better at preventing migraine attacks than an inactive placebo pill. After three months, patients in the riboflavin group experienced fewer migraine attacks and deceased severity of migraine attacks than those in the placebo group. Of those taking riboflavin, 59% had their number of migraine days reduced by at least 50%, compared to just 15% of those taking placebo. Side effects were minor, including diarrhea and an increase in urine production.2,3 However, other studies have not shown a benefit to riboflavin supplementation.4
Riboflavin side effects and other precautions
Some people who take riboflavin may notice that their urine becomes bright yellow. A small number of patients experience diarrhea and increased urine. These are not all the possible side effects of riboflavin. Patients should talk to their doctor about what to expect with riboflavin treatment. As with any natural remedy, prescription or over-the-counter treatment, you should first check with your doctor before taking riboflavin to learn if it might interact with anything else you’re taking or learn if it will have a dangerous impact on any condition you have.
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As always, the best source for advice on treating migraine is your own migraine specialist. These descriptions of natural remedies are provided only for informational purposes. You should begin no medication or supplement without first checking with your health care provider and should let them know of any other prescriptions, OTCs, and herbals you are taking to ensure there are no interactions.
